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1.1 This test method covers the determination of the asbestos content of untreated chrysotile asbestos textile materials which are usually blends of asbestos and organic fibers. This test method is also applicable to treated asbestos textile materials provided the treatment can be completely removed prior to testing.

1.2 This test method is limited to those asbestos textile materials in which asbestos is the only inorganic fiber present, or in which any other inorganic fiber or wire used as reinforcement can be removed prior to testing.

1.3 If carbonates are present, a correction is made for the loss on ignition in the calculation for asbestos content.

1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.5 Warning—Breathing of asbestos dust is hazardous. Asbestos and asbestos products present demonstrated health risks for users and for those with whom they come into contact. In addition to other precautions, when working with asbestos-cement products, minimize the dust that results. For information on the safe use of chrysoltile asbestos, refer to “Safe Use of Chrysotile Asbestos: A Manual on Preventive and Control Measures.”2

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety hazard, see 1.5.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 The asbestos content of asbestos textile materials is of major significance, since the percentage of asbestos present defines the grade of the textile and the approximate serviceability temperature for such materials.

5.2 This test method is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments because: (1) current estimates of between-laboratory reproducibility are acceptable, (2) the test method has been used extensively in the trade for acceptance testing. In cases of dispute, the statistical bias, if any, between the laboratory of the purchaser and the laboratory of the seller should be determined with each comparison being based on testing randomized specimens from one sample of material.

5.3 The factor of 0.86 is based upon a measured average of 14 % for the loss of water of crystallization on heating chrysotile asbestos to a temperature of at least 800°C [1470°F]. The calculated asbestos content may be in error if the actual mass loss differs from the 14 % average.

5.4 If the specimen includes calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), this compound is decomposed at 800°C [1470°F] and higher temperatures. No other carbonates are present in appreciable amounts.

5.5 If the textile specimen includes carbonates, the loss of mass observed during ignition will include the water of crystallization of the asbestos and carbon dioxide from the carbonates. If the specimen includes both carbonates and organic fiber the loss of mass will include water of crystallization of the asbestos, carbon dioxide from the carbonates, and the combustible part of the organic fibers. Failure to take proper account of these losses will result in lower grading of the material.

5.6 Asbestos textiles as used in normal applications are not subjected to a temperature where CaCO₃ will decompose. Any CaCO₃ contained will remain unchanged and as such offers excellent thermal insulation. It is therefore included in the calculation as part of the asbestos content.

5.7 The mass of the original carbonate and the residual oxide formed on ignition of the carbonate in any specimen can be calculated from the amount of carbon dioxide evolved from a known mass of the specimen. The calculated values are used in the determination of the asbestos content of specimens which include carbonate.